A reputable platform for the crystallization of creativity in short cinema; from student heritage to the pinnacle of professional filmmaking in the heart of the Balkans
Festival Name: IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival
Location: Pernik, Bulgaria
Dates: June 26 – July 3, 2027
Edition: 23rd Edition
About the Festival:Founded in 2003, this international festival is dedicated to short films and audiovisual arts. Originally launched as a specialized competition for student films, it has since evolved into a reputable platform for showcasing works by both emerging filmmakers and experienced professionals. It is recognized as one of the oldest film festivals in the Balkan region and the only professional short film festival in Bulgaria.
Awards: Best Experimental Film, Best Fiction Film, Best Animated Film, Best Documentary Film, Best National Film (Fiction, Animation, or Documentary), Best Student Fiction Film, Best Student Animation Film, Best Student Documentary Film, Best Student Experimental Film, Best Mid-Length Film, Best Feature Film, Best Music Video, and Special Jury Mention.
Accepted Genres: Experimental, Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Thriller, Horror, Fantasy, Drama, Comedy, and Music Video.
Running Time:Under 40 minutes.
Production Year:Works produced after January 1, 2025.
Language & Subtitles:All films must include English subtitles.
Entry Fee: 25 EUR
Submission Deadline:October 1, 2026
Additional Terms: Premiere Status: A Bulgarian premiere is mandatory. Films that have previously been screened publicly in Bulgaria, or released for free on websites or online platforms, are not eligible for the competition sections.
